Integrative Studies (MA,MS)

Integrative Studies - Cultural Education Advocacy (MA)

Studies have shown that art and cultural learning opportunities in schools promote better academic performance that eventually lead to higher graduation rates. In addition, students exposed to the arts and culture tend to develop better critical thinking skills and time management skills, which are crucial in helping to prepare them for success in college and the work place. Yet in tough financial times, art and culture are among the first to be cut from school programs. The cultural education advocacy program is geared toward those who aspire to be the voice for maintaining and potentially strengthening the presence of the art and cultural education in schools, as well as promoting arts and culture in the community.

Career Outlook

An integrative studies degree in cultural education advocacy from SIUE prepares students for a wide variety of careers, including work in museums, art galleries, cultural institutions and academia, as well as doctoral programs. Graduates may also gain employment as archivists, curators and other artistic or historical collection positions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, career growth as art historians and cultural education advocates is projected to be significant, with the field's anticipated growth of seven percent by 2024. Currently, median pay range in the field is approximately $46,710 annually.

Curriculum

Students will take courses in the departments of Art and Design and Historical Studies, according to the master's in integrative studies program requirements:

30 credit hours of graduate-level courses, 12 credit hours of which are from the Department of Art and Design and 18 credit hours from the Department of Historical Studies.

All students will complete seven credit hours of integrative studies thesis or non-thesis capstone work.

(3) HIST 404a Topics in Medieval Social, Religious and Intellectual History
(3) HIST 424 Topics in East European History
(3) HIST 428 Topics in European Women's History
(3) HIST 443 Origins of the American Civil War
(3) HIST 470 Preserving the American Past

A letter of intent clearly articulating the desired focus areas, the applicant’s academic/career goals, how his/her academic background prepares him/her to undertake the program successfully, and how the program serves his/her goals must be submitted with the application.

Program application materials may be uploaded during the application process, but official transcripts must be sent directly from the school attended, and test scores must be verifiable with the appropriate testing service. Please contact the Graduate Admissions office with questions regarding the application submission process at graduateadmissions@siue.edu.

Applicants must also meet any additional admissions requirements stipulated by the participating departments, which may include but are not limited to holding a specific undergraduate degree, one or more prerequisite courses, or a standardized test score, such as the GRE.

Applicants with a baccalaureate and/or graduate-level GPA between 2.5 and 3.0 may be considered if all the following conditions are met.

The baccalaureate degree and/or graduate-level work was earned more than 4 years prior to the application submission.

The applicant provides a written explanation of her/his performance in the baccalaureate degree.

The applicant provides a written explanation of why he/she will be successful in the Integrative Studies degree.